Young people across the UK have spent years calling for a youth strategy. Today we’re finally seeing meaningful change with the government’s National Youth Strategy launch.

There hasn’t been a strategy to support young people since 2003. That’s before some of us were even born.

Ahead of the general election, our Youth Voices report called for politicians to put youth voice at the heart of decision making. It’s great to see that themes from our report have been picked up in the strategy.

Young people today face challenges unique to our generation, from record high levels of young people not in education, employment or training to a cost-of-living crisis. This is why we need this strategy today more than ever.

“This is a step in the right direction, but now we need action.”
Hana, DofE Youth Ambassador

What matters to young people

We contributed to the National Youth Strategy development through workshops, questionnaires, and placing focus on what matters the most:

• Feeling safe: Having spaces and trusted adults we can rely on.
• Being connected: Getting opportunities to belong and make friends.
• Having opportunities: Gaining skills and experiences beyond the classroom.

These are absolute essentials for this strategy to do what it sets out to.

“It’s good to see young people’s voices reflected in the Strategy. We’ve been asking for safe spaces and trusted adults for years, this feels like a step in the right direction.”
Thomas, DofE Youth Ambassador

Working together to deliver change

19 DofE Youth Ambassadors were at the pre-launch event in Peckham to be part of the action with other young people and charities.

A few weeks ago, we welcomed the government’s commitment to an enrichment entitlement for all young people. This means access to activities like sports, arts, volunteering and outdoor learning, and giving enrichment the same status as academic learning.

That’s why it’s great to see the strategy focus on rebuilding community youth work and increasing access to enrichment opportunities for all young people, especially those from lower income families. This is crucial to improving the lives and futures of young people in the UK today.

Together with the Back Youth Alliance and Enrichment for All coalition we want to make sure this strategy delivers real change, not empty words.

“Belonging shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a right.”
Lauren, DofE Youth Ambassador

What we want to achieve

If we work together, in three years we hope to see:

• Every young person knowing what’s available in their area.
• Youth spaces that are safe, welcoming and open to all.
• Trusted adults, youth workers, mentors, coaches who are there when we need them.
• Mental health support that isn’t a postcode lottery.

That’s real meaningful impact for young people. We’re excited to continue to work with the government on this bold and exciting strategy.